“This is an historic occasion for the park, and we wanted to do everything possible to make the public feel welcome and to encourage their participation in Joshua Tree National Park’s 75th birthday,” Superintendent Mark Butler said.

Although park entrance is free, normal camping fees and other user fees will continue to be collected.

Joshua Tree National Monument became part of the national park system Aug. 10, 1936, with the signing of a presidential proclamation by President Franklin Roosevelt. The area became a national park when the Desert Protection Act was passed by Congress and signed by President Bill Clinton on Oct. 31, 1994.

For a full list of the special events commemorating the park’s 75th anniversary, click here.